Picture a storyteller who spun a modern, inclusive twist on a Jane Austen classic—meet Susan Mesler-Evans! This Florida-based author, with a flair for witty romance and heartfelt characters, burst onto the literary scene with her 2019 debut novel, Most Ardently. A self-proclaimed theatre nerd and D&D enthusiast, Susan crafts stories that bridge timeless narratives with contemporary charm, captivating both Austen aficionados and new readers alike.
With a knack for blending sharp banter, diverse casts, and emotional depth, Susan Mesler-Evans is carving a unique space in contemporary fiction. Her work, infused with humor and inclusivity, invites readers into worlds where love and identity shine. Ready to dive into her story? Let’s explore the life, works, and impact of this rising star!
The Making of Susan Mesler-Evans
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Susan Mesler-Evans grew up with a love for storytelling, fueled by her passions for theatre, Dungeons & Dragons, and binge-watching Netflix comedies. Now a college student in sunny Florida, she balances her academic life with her creative pursuits. Her journey to authorship began with a spark of inspiration from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, which she reimagined for a modern audience. Susan’s early writing, shared on platforms like Tumblr, honed her voice—witty, relatable, and unapologetically authentic.
Despite her self-described penchant for procrastination, Susan’s dedication to crafting inclusive narratives drove her to publish her first full-length novel. Her background in theatre likely shaped her ability to create vivid characters, while her love for overanalyzing fictional relationships added depth to her romantic plots. This unique blend of influences set the stage for her literary debut.
Susan Mesler-Evans’s Unforgettable Stories
Susan Mesler-Evans’s debut novel, Most Ardently, is a vibrant, LGBT+ retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Set in a modern Ohio community college, it follows Elisa Benitez, a sarcastic, cash-strapped student, and Darcy Fitzgerald, a prickly heiress. With a diverse cast and clever nods to Austen’s original, the novel explores love, identity, and first impressions with humor and heart. Readers praise its charming characters, like Charlene and Julieta, and its respectful update of the classic, though some note minor editing hiccups.
Beyond Most Ardently, Susan authored The Haiku of Art, a lesser-known work that showcases her versatility. While details about this project are scarce, it hints at her experimental side, possibly blending poetry and visual themes. Her writing style is marked by witty dialogue, inclusive representation, and a knack for modernizing classic tropes. Susan’s stories resonate with readers who crave romance that feels fresh, fun, and reflective of today’s world.
Her narratives often center strong, witty women, drawing comparisons to Austen’s heroines but with a contemporary twist. By tackling themes like diversity and self-discovery, Susan creates stories that are both entertaining and meaningful, appealing to a broad audience of romance and literary fiction fans.
Why Susan Mesler-Evans Matters
Susan Mesler-Evans is a trailblazer in inclusive romance, bringing diverse voices to the forefront of contemporary fiction. Her reimagining of Pride and Prejudice as an LGBT+ love story challenges traditional narratives, offering representation that resonates with modern readers. Her work bridges the gap between classic literature and today’s inclusive storytelling, making Austen’s themes accessible to a new generation.
Though early in her career, Susan’s impact is evident in the enthusiastic reviews from readers who cherish her diverse casts and emotional depth. As a young author, she’s poised to influence the romance genre further, with fans eagerly awaiting her next project. Her ability to blend humor, heart, and social commentary marks her as a vital voice in the evolving landscape of fiction.
- Born: Columbus, Ohio
- Current Home: Florida
- Key Work: Most Ardently (2019)
- Fun Fact: A D&D enthusiast and theatre nerd
Ready to fall in love with Susan Mesler-Evans’s witty, inclusive romance? Snag Most Ardently and dive into her vibrant world of modern love and timeless charm!